Rangers could beat Lobi but for shameless ref-Imama

Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo has blamed the match officials from Ondo State for robbing his nine-man team because they were better than Lobi Stars in Wednesday’s Federation Cup semi-final.

A furious Amapakabo said the referee and his assistants officiated the game as if they were acting on a script as two Rangers players were sent off in the game, and with such a disadvantage his team were better than Lobi.

“Do we really have Referee Henry and his assistants (all from Ondo state) with FIFA badge using the day to do their master(s) bidding?” Amapakabo wrote on his Facebook page.

“As I sit playing back event of the evening, seeing the tears roll down from my players eyes after the first half in the dressing room asking me questions I sincerely wish I had answers for: “Coach na so dem dey play football? “Coach wetin we do this referee na?” “Coach how we wan take play this kind ball?”, my heart bleeds to them knowing fully well that I can never find answers to the questions….

“I stand in royal gallant to salute my players, standing tall playing against shameful 15 men (11 Lobi players + 4 match officials). Even when we were down to 9 men, we are still the better team.

“I make bold to say here and will forever do that 9-man Rangers today (Wednesday) will beat 11 man Lobi anywhere if the officiating is free and fair.”